Advancement Foundation’s Renée Underwood named Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive
Renée Underwood, CFRE, chief development officer for the Advancement Foundation (center), was presented with the award for Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive on Nov. 11, 2025, at the Ridglea Country Club. Rachel Martinez, CFRE, left, nominated Underwood, and President-elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Fort Worth Metro Chapter Trey Harper, CFRE, stands at right. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
FORT WORTH — Renée Underwood, CFRE, always had a heart for helping others. But that desire to serve her fellow man only grew stronger in the midst of family tragedy.
Her husband, David, was the father of two young boys when he was diagnosed with a progressive neurological disease in 1998. The news was devastating.
“How could this be happening to us?” questioned Underwood, recalling the couple’s feelings of anger, disbelief, and self-pity.
It wasn’t long before words from Scripture eased their despair and provided a renewed purpose.
The chief development officer for the diocese’s Advancement Foundation said the Gospel reading at one particular Sunday Mass remains a crystal-clear memory.
“Jesus is asked whose sins caused a man’s blindness — his or his parents,” remembered Underwood, paraphrasing John 9:3. “Neither, He answered. It’s so the works of my Father might be shown through him.”
Reflecting on that message, the Underwoods began viewing David’s illness as a gift.
“We realized the journey wasn’t ours alone and people would be watching to see how we reacted, how strong was our faith and our marriage,” she explained. “We became more outwardly focused helping others and praying for others. I volunteered at my parish and, in time, began work for the Church in stewardship and development. That’s my story.”
Underwood’s level of compassion and dedication to service is an example that continues to inspire. The active philanthropist and volunteer was named Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive by the Fort Worth Metro Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) during the group’s annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon on November 11 at the Ridglea Country Club.
The organization’s 240 chapters around the world strive to advance philanthropy and promote high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. Founded 45 years ago, Fort Worth is a ten-star gold chapter — one of only 60 globally.
Recognized for her years of service on the AFP Board as vice president of professional development, Underwood shaped the skills of fellow fundraisers by providing accredited continuing education at monthly meetings and the annual AFP DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Underwood mentors her colleagues in pursuing the credential, which is recognized as the worldwide standard for ethical practice in the nonprofit sector. Praised for raising millions of dollars for worthy causes, her generosity at home, church, and in the professional and local community was also acknowledged.
“It’s safe to say that every nonprofit in Tarrant County — maybe even North Texas — has been impacted by Renée’s servant leadership,” said Rachel Martinez, CFRE, Advancement Foundation’s director of annual giving and grants, who nominated her colleague for the award. “What makes Renée shine is her ability to listen and connect people. She has a gift and is able to match someone’s passion with real need. That’s how she’s raised hundreds of millions in her 16-year career.”
Beyond that, the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioner sets an example for others to follow.
When Trey Harper, CFRE, began fundraising for Community Link in 2019, Underwood became a key source for advice and encouragement. Headquartered in Saginaw, the nonprofit provides food assistance and case management to thousands of struggling families in northwest Tarrant County.
“I remember when I first started fundraising in Fort Worth, she was on the board of the AFP and shared resources and information,” said Harper, the president-elect of AFP's Fort Worth Metro Chapter. “Renée is an exemplary fundraiser and is valuable to the Fort Worth fundraising scene.”
Before coming to the Diocese of Fort Worth in 2017 to serve first as the associate director, and then chief development officer of the Advancement Foundation, the Wichita Falls native was hired by now retired Lubbock Bishop Placido Rodriguez, CMF, in 2009 to help his diocese reach stewardship and development goals. It was the start of a second career for the former advertising/marketing specialist who believes combining faith with philanthropy made her life even more meaningful.
When Bishop Michael Olson provided an opportunity to bring her fundraising talents to the diocese, Underwood didn’t hesitate moving to Fort Worth.
“I’m always grateful and extremely blessed to do this work,” she told the North Texas Catholic. “It’s been life-changing and brought me even closer to God.”
Receiving the Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive honor from her peers is particularly humbling.
“The group giving me this recognition comprises my mentors and role models,” Underwood pointed out. “I thank them and Bishop Olson for allowing me to do this work in this part of Jesus’ kingdom.”
After accepting the award, the Texas Tech and UT Dallas graduate thanked her colleagues and friends across the nonprofit community as well as her sons, Ryan and Austin Underwood.
“You celebrated my every success and lifted me through every challenge,” she said addressing her family. “You remind me every day why this work matters.”
In closing, the trained spiritual director reminded the audience that fundraising isn’t just about raising money — it’s about raising hope. Referencing Henri Nouwen’s book, “A Spirituality of Fundraising,” Underwood said philanthropy grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another.
“Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place,” she added, addressing the room full of nonprofit professionals, volunteers, philanthropists, and community leaders.